Baby Gear Basics | A Strategy for Convenience and Safety

Congratulations! You’ve made it through nine months of pregnancy, and now you have a beautiful baby to show for it. During this special time in your life, you’re likely feeling a variety of emotions and slowly getting comfortable with your new role as a parent. Rest assured, the dark circles from sleep deprivation will eventually subside. However, the element of concern that you have for your little one won’t likely go away – ever. You will probably always feel the need to analyze the information about various baby products and baby clothes available so as to ensure you’re giving your baby the safest and most comfortable items.

As you sift through the mounds of data about various baby gear, it may be overwhelming to decipher which items are the most reliable, safe, cozy, and essential. Also, as your child grows, how can you be sure she’s not also outgrowing the car seat, crib or other baby items? Having the confidence of knowing you’re providing your child with the safe most practical baby products is crucial to your happiness and the well-being of your child.

Fortunately, there are many online resources to help you decide whether you should toss hand-me-down baby gear or continue to use them. These sites also provide useful information and baby product reviews for several of the favorite products so you can read about them before you purchase. For example, you can find parents’ perspectives on various car seats brands, as well as recommendations based on weight and age, ratings and car seat deals. You can find out about which baby items have been recalled or which recalls are complete nonsense. There are several constraints placed upon the car seat manufacturers, and not all of them involve an unsafe car seat. For example, some recalls are voluntary and don’t mean that your car seat is unsafe.

When it’s time to upgrade the car seat or baby gear, you can take advantage of event such as the Toys R Us’ handy trade in event that allows customers to visit their stores through February 2016 and trade in baby products that may be unsafe, in exchange it for a new similar item at a discounted cost. This is a wonderful way to upgrade your baby’s crib, stroller, infant swing, bouncer, walker or car seat without breaking the bank.

There are several ‘must haves’ that assist new moms with the first few months at home with baby: a stroller system (using a two in one is the most convenient), a sling or baby carrier (this frees up your hands while keeping baby close by), a swing, diaper bag and of course, baby clothing.

If you’re looking for baby clothing and would prefer not to head to the mall, you can utilize the convenience of online baby stores which carry a large variety of clothes, equipment and even have a gift registry and items for new moms. Here, you have access to the ‘must haves’ for every new mom in one place. This includes strollers, car seats, baby clothing and everything in between. There are play yards, bouncers, and products geared specifically for bath time, organic items and a host of baby products to choose from located in one place.

As you learn to trust your instincts, you will learn what works for your family, and what doesn’t. You’ll soon learn what your baby needs and choosing the right baby products, and paraphernalia will become easier. You will gain the invaluable experience of knowing which swing looked appropriate but played music that wasn’t appealing.You will have the parental tenure that comes with purchasing a bouncer that appeared perfect in the packaging, but which didn’t easily disassemble for travel. So trust yourself

and arm yourself with the knowledge and convenience offered online. In no time, the angst related to having the right products settles down and becomes second only to enjoying your growing baby.

Heather, the mom behind OurKidsMom, is located in western Missouri. She is 3rd grade teacher turned stay at home mom with 4 children: Ethan (9), Emma (10), Joshua (20) and Kaytlin (25). She spends her "free time" at the gym, planning her next travel adventure, blogging, browsing Pinterest for her next craft and reviewing great products for her family and home.

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